ISPO Award Winner 2025: Oboz Katabatic Storm GTX

When winter turns wild, most boots tend to add bulk. Oboz Footwear, however, takes a different approach. With the Katabatic Storm GTX, the Montana-based brand introduces a new generation of insulated winter footwear that prioritizes speed, breathability, and a true-to-foot fit without sacrificing warmth or protection. Designed for fast-moving outdoor athletes, this boot redefines winter performance. Winter adventures often require a delicate balance between insulation and waterproofing and agility and breathability. The Katabatic Storm GTX resolves these competing needs with a combination of innovations never before seen in a winter boot.  

The most significant feature is the combination of GORE-TEX® Invisible Fit Technology and Solarcore® SC foam insulation, which is breathable. This perforated foam provides a high R-value even when compressed or wet. This allows it to be used efficiently in targeted zones. It retains warmth where it's needed while maintaining breathability during high-output activities. Instead of the traditional bootie construction, GORE-TEX® Invisible Fit laminates the waterproof membrane directly to the upper, eliminating unnecessary layers. The result is improved agility, dramatically reduced bulk, and a fit more akin to a trail shoe than a clunky winter boot. For fastpackers, snowshoers, and winter hikers who move quickly through cold, wet climates, this combination is transformative. 

Beyond the materials used, the Katabatic Storm GTX stands out thanks to its design, which is specifically crafted for real winter use. Every feature acknowledges that winter performance doesn't happen in a controlled environment. Gloves are worn, snow blows sideways, and terrain can shift from icy to slushy in minutes. 

 Oboz addresses this with large, glove-friendly features: oversized pull loops on the heel and tongue make entry easy, and a dual-zone quick-lace system allows users to secure the toe box and collar, even with cold hands. A zipped gaiter covers the lacing system to keep out snow and moisture, and a protective snow guard around the collar provides an additional barrier against harsh conditions. The Vibram® Ice Trek II outsole provides reliable traction on cold, wet, and uneven surfaces, making this boot a dependable choice for winter conditions. Whether you're climbing up a frozen ridge or walking on icy city streets, the outsole maintains its traction, even in deep winter temperatures. The entire boot is designed to provide a streamlined, secure, and fast-moving fit, rather than the bulky, stiff sensation traditionally associated with insulated footwear. For athletes accustomed to trail shoes, the transition feels intuitive—protection without compromising pace. 

Oboz designed the Katabatic Storm GTX for winter outdoor athletes who want to go farther and faster, and the boot delivers. From invisible fit laminations to targeted insulation zones, every feature is designed to support high-aerobic winter activities. Dan Wehunt, Oboz's Senior Director of Product, explains: "This boot is designed for people moving quickly through frigid, wet winter environments with snow and mud. Its standout feature is zonal insulation placed only where warmth is most critical—along the instep, tongue, toes, and underfoot—to keep blood flowing warmly into the foot. The result is targeted cold-weather protection in a lightweight, agile boot ideal for activities like snowshoeing.” 

 As winter footwear enters a new era of being lighter, more breathable, and more performance-oriented, the Katabatic Storm GTX points toward what winter speed hiking boots can and should become: warm where needed, breathable where possible, and functional in the harshest conditions. 

• The unique combination of GORE-TEX® Invisible Fit Technology and Solarcore® SC Breathable Foam.
• Large pull loops that can be handled with gloves
• Dual-zone Quicklace™, zipped gaiter, and snow guard.